These cards are unfairly strong and feel like cheating every time they are played
2
These cards are unfairly strong and feel like cheating every time they are played
2
I can't see anything wrong with this pairing. I also can't understand why you sent those aggressive messages to the guy. Was he responsible for the pairing?
Chill out, old man.
14
Listing even the ones that no one will miss or that have a virtual replacement (under a different name) in Core.
8
As much as I loved wild and played it competitively for years, standard has the charm of the meta being fresh every new expansion. I don't want to play odd paladin, mech hunter or secret mage again and again without major changes. Plus, standard has official events, and there are many more game modes for everyone to enjoy. It's fine to play wild exclusively, but don't expect as much change from new expansions as standard experiences.
1
yeah only one shaman card so far.. this is a joke, I hope they're keeping the best for the end :D
13
Intro:
Overall, I think this is a very powerful set, and it seems to represent a change in design philosophy. Rather than give us incredibly underwhelming sets that don’t require any nerfs like Rastakhan’s Rumble, most of the cards in this set appear to be pushed. I imagine Blizzard will be just as active with nerfs as they were with Ashes of Outlands. Personally, I like this. It is more fun to play with powerful things and tune them down, rather than be stuck with cards you never play.
Rating System:
My rating system is 1 to 4, using whole numbers only. Standard only. Getting more nitpicky is a feckless endeavor.
1’s represent cards that I think are pretty bad, and really won’t see much play. In an ideal world, there won’t be too many 1’s.
2’s and 3’s represent cards that I think will show up in decks, and they are actually pretty close in power level.
4’s are reserved for cards that I think are among the best in the set. There are more 4’s than there used to be in my reviews.
I reviewed a few cards as “?”. These are cards that are very unique and hard to wrap my head around. They will likely require a fair amount of testing. If they’re good, I think they’ll be very good. If they’re bad, they’re probably unplayable.
I am going to review the dual class cards in the context of their specific class, so they will be reviewed twice.
Onto the cards….
Demon Hunter
To the surprise of no one, Demon Hunter received some strong cards this set. It also appears to have subsumed Warlocks role as an anti-combo class. Glide and Double Jump appear to be incredible additions to Aggro DH. I am less interested in Stelina. Her effect is very powerful, but her stats leave a lot to be desired in an aggressive deck. For obvious reasons, I think Kreen is better in DH than in Hunter, but it should be good in both classes.
The Soul Fragment deck looks like it may adopt a more midrange style of play. Perhaps this will look more similar to the DH decks we were playing before all of the nerfs, with a bit of a higher curve, and ending games with Lapidary, Adept, and Metamorphosis. I think this will be a promising deck, and it may have different enough match ups to warrant play over the aggo deck.
I am less excited about the rest of Demon Hunter’s cards. It’s unclear what the token deck actually aims to do. I think it’s very optimistic to hope that Wrathscale Naga and Trueaim Crescent will burn down your opponent. Blood Herald seems hilariously bad. Likewise, I don’t think the Big Control deck received anything that makes me want to play it. Ancient Void Hound is just a pile of stats.
Star Student Stelina – 1
Ancient Void Hound – 1
Cycle of Hatred – 1
Glide – 4
Magehunter – 1
Shardshatter Mystic – 3
Fel Guardians - 1
Soulshard Lapidary – 4
Marrowslicer – 4
Vilefiend Trainer – 1
Double Jump – 4
Soulciologist Malicia - 4
Felosophy – 1
Soul Shear – 4
Spirit Jailer – 4
Ace Hunter Kreen – 4
Trueaim Crescent – 1
Demon Companion – 3
Blood Herald – 1
Druid
Druid appears to have received some obviously powerful cards, but they are cards that will take some time to figure out how best to use them. Omu and Twilight Runner are blatantly powerful cards. However, how to build the deck around them will be a puzzle for players to solve.
Omu and Lightning Bloom seem like they will herald the return of Malygos combo decks. But I also think they are simply good enough cards to be played in a number of druid variants.
Token decks look like they got some help that won’t necessarily force them down the Fungle Fortunes, spell druid route. Runic Carvings, Adorable Infestation, and maybe even Gibberling could work in a deck focused more on Acorn Bearer and Treants.
There are some interesting things going on with Big Beast Druid as well. In a class that can hit 7-mana pretty easily, Guardian Animals into Twilight Runners is an exciting thought. But it’s not an obvious build, and there’s some competition with Dragons doing the same/similar things. I went back and forth on Shand’do a lot, but I think it could play a Frizz-type role in the deck. It ruins your Strength in Numbers plays, but it can contribute to some tempo swings.
Survival of the Fittest doesn’t do much for me, especially after the Fungal Fortunes nerf. But hey, Gift of the Wild saw competitive play, so I won’t count it out completely. That said, I’d be pretty surprised if it is played.
Forest Warden Omu – 4
Survival of the Fittest – 1
Twilight Runner – 3
Partner Assignment – 1
Gibberling – 3
Nature Studies – 4
Shan’do Wildclaw – 3
Guardian Animals – 2
Teacher’s Pet – 1
Adorable Infestation – 2
Speaker Gidra – 3
Runic Carvings – 3
Groundskeeper – 1
Lightning Bloom – 4
Hunter
I’m a little annoyed by Hunter. I think it received some very interesting cards. However, I doubt that these decks will be better than our current Highlander, Face, and Dragon Hunter decks. Cards like Demon Companion, Shan’do, and Barkstripper appear to be generally powerful enough to slide right into these decks.
Deathrattle Beasts now has a high enough beast density to work. Bloated Python reminds me a lot of Devilsaur Egg. Trueaim Cresecent can take on the role of a deathrattle activator alongside Lion. And Teacher’s Pet is a serviceable taunt. But if I’m playing a midrange type of Hunter, why not just play Highlander?
Quest Hunter received some new toys that I would have loved to have before Leeroy was HOF’d. But without Leeroy, I’m not sure you’re sticking a board long enough to win. Maybe Quest hooks up with Deathrattle in that regard? Again though – Highlander just seems to do it better.
Finally, Spell Damage Hunter was boosted. But that deck has never really been a thing, and I doubt it will be now. Pen Flinger, Professor Slate, and the gang don’t strike fear into my heart.
Professor Slate – 1
Krolusk Barkstripper – 3
Bloated Python – 2
Overwhelm – 1
Wolpertinger – 2
Carrion Studies – 1
Shan’do Wildclaw – 3
Guardian Animals – 1
Teacher’s Pet – 2
Adorable Infestation – 2
Ace Hunter Kreen – 3
Trueaim Crescent – 2
Demon Companion – 3
Blood Herald – 1
Mage
I think Mage hit a home run this set. Some manner of spell damage, minion mage looks like the real deal. Lab Partner curves right into Spellbook Binder. There is card draw for days. It will be all about figuring out how it wants to look in the endgame. Mozaki is available for some burn options. Wyrm Weaver can make a board that ends the game if not answered. And there are still Mana Giant-Conjuror’s Calling things.
Also, there are some individual cards that have a high enough power level to fit into Highlander Mage: Combustion, Firebrand, Devolving Missiles, etc.
Likewise, some of those individually powerful cards make Spell Mage better. Although, it’s still unclear how Spell Mage intends to end games. At some point, you’ll have to kill your opponent, and I still don’t see a clear path to that end in Spell Mage.
Mozaki, Master Duelist – 2
Combustion – 3
Wyrm Weaver – 2
Cram Session – 3
Firebrand – 3
Lab Partner – 4
Ras Frostwhisper – 2
Devolving Missiles – 3
Trick Totem – 1
Primordial Studies – 4
Jandice Barov – ?
Potion of Illusion – 1
Brain Freeze – 2
Wand Thief - 3
Paladin
Pure, Libram, and Control Paladin received some exciting options. All of those decks are slightly different takes on the same concept, so I think they’ll almost all play the same cards. Goody Two-Shields is ridiculously powerful. Paladin received better 1-drops than Sungill in First Day of School. Lord Barov essentially gives a 3rd Libram of Justice. Devout Pupil looks delightful in a deck that has been playing Libram of Wisdom all game.
I am less positive that Argent Braggart is the endgame that these decks needed, but I’m hopeful. Especially since it can be searched with Salhet’s Pride. Likewise, I am not entirely positive how High Abbess Alura works with Lady Liadrin. It would be a real bummer to lose a Wisdom that way. But I still think she may be worth a spot in these decks.
Big Paladin received some cards too. But I just don’t see that deck as ever being competitive above Bronze Ranks. Wave of Apathy is kind of a Frost Nova, so maybe it sees some experimentation, but I doubt it.
Turalyon, the Tenured – 1
Argent Braggart – 2
Blessing of Authority – 1
Goody Two-Shields – 4
Judicious Junior – 2
First Day of School – 4
Lord Barov – 3
Ceremonial Maul – 2
Commencement – 1
Shield of Honor – 1
High Abbess Alura – 3
Devout Pupil – 4
Gift of Luminance – 1
Wave of Apathy – 1
Priest
The whole Tempo, Buff, or “Cube” priest arechetype gained a lot this expansion. And thanks to some neutral card draw/scry, I think it may finally succeed without needing to fall back on Galakrond RNG (even though it will probably still do that).
Power Word: Feast seems like an insane follow up to Frazzled Freshman, and it allows anything you stick (Voracious Reader?) to trade and continue doing its thing. It’ll be interesting to see if Alura and Pupil make this deck, since you will likely want to forego things like Soul Mirror or Time Rip. Or, it could royally screw up your Inner Fire. In the end, it will be all about figuring out which cards and buffs make the cut, if at all.
If all else fails, we still have Galakrond (sigh).
I think the dual class warlock cards are all better in Warlock because it is easier to change health in that class, especially because of the Soul Fragments. Raise Dead is the exception because Priest cares much less about the 3 damage.
Mindrender Illucia - ?
Cabal Acolyte – 2
Initiation – 1
Power Word: Feast – 3
Draconic Studies – 2
Frazzled Freshman – 3
High Abbess Alura – 3
Devout Pupil – 2
Gift of Luminance – 2
Wave of Apathy – 2
Disciplinarian Grandling – 1
Flesh Giant – 2
Brittlebone Destroyer – 3
Raise Dead – 2
Rogue
I think Rogue received enough to finally trend away from Galakrond, and maybe lackeys in general. Let’s be honest, we missed smashing people in the face with Waggle Picks. I think between the Stealth package (and the upgrades received in this set) and the new weapon focused cards, Rogue has enough draw and damage to make you forget about Galakrond. Secret Passage is insane. Cutting Class is even more card draw. The curve into Steeldancer is almost flawless.
If you want to go slower and continue to play the Galakrond way, I think Wand Thief is an excellent card. Galakrond Rogue struggles with AOE and (recently) ending the game. Mage spells offer both of those things.
I’d be surprised if Self-Sharpening Sword is played over Scimitar and Pick. Coerce is a good card, but Sap offers similar results for less mana.
Infiltrator Lillian – 3
Secret Passage – 4
Shifty Sophomore – 2
Self-Sharpening Sword – 1
Vulpera Toxinblade – 3
Plagarize – 1
Jandice Barov – ?
Potion of Illusion – 1
Brain Freeze – 1
Wand Thief – 3
Doctor Krastinov – 3
Steeldancer – 4
Coerce – 2
Cutting Class – 3
Shaman
I also think Shaman made out like a bandit this set. The obvious stuff comes from the totems – Goliath, Carvings, and Trick Totem. Ways to repopulate the board has been a big issue for the deck, and now they can accomplish it. The early game things are still really weak and will probably rely on neutral cards – but at least it appears to be a step in the right direction. I think Trick Totem is not a good card. But it says “totem” on it, so I think it will be played.
What REALLY excites me, though, is Spell Damage Shaman. Rune Dagger largely means you’ll have spell damage all game long. Especially when combined with Hoard Pillager. This isn’t exactly Skull of the Man’ari-level powerful, but I think it’s pretty dang busted.
Since Shudderwock rotated, Shaman has been missing a way to close games. But now you have the option of a lot of burst from hand boosted by your weapon and whatever spell damage minions you may have stuck on the board. We will have to see what spells we like in this deck, and which we don’t. Tidal Wave seems redundant, but basically offers you a full heal. Molten Blast seems like it’s worse than Serpentshrine Portal, but it comes without the overload. Instructor Fireheart strikes me as a card you are always playing in Shaman until she rotates.
Instructor Fireheart – 4
Totem Goliath – 3
Molten Blast – 1
Diligent Notetaker – 2
Tidal Wave – 2
Rune Dagger – 4
Ras Frostwhisper – 3
Devolving Missiles – 3
Trick Totem – 2
Primordial Studies – 4
Speaker Gidra – 3
Runic Carvings – 3
Groundskeeper – 2
Lightning Bloom – 4
Warlock
I don’t know what we are doing with Control Warlock. I think you absolutely want to be playing Soul Fragments, but I’m not sure what you do after that. It conflicts with the typical Quest Warlock win conditions. Space is really tight if you’re playing Galakrond. Flesh Giant with Soul Fragments seems absolutely crazy. The tools are here, we just need to decide which work best. I may be wrong, but I don’t think Willow is the answer.
Zoo also got some great cards. Gandling is crazy with lackeys and eggs. Brittlebone Destroyer gives you hard removal attached to a minion body for a reasonable cost. And there are enough good, cheap demons to make Felosophy attractive.
Archwitch Willow – 1
Void Drinker – 3
Shadowlight Scholar – 3
Boneweb Egg – 3
School Spirits – 3
Demonic Studies – 1
Soulciologist Malicia – 4
Felosophy – 2
Soul Shear – 4
Spirit Jailer – 4
Disciplinarian Grandling – 4
Flesh Giant – 4
Brittlebone Destroyer – 4
Raise Dead – 1
Warrior
Warrior is in such a good place that it didn’t need to receive very much…and while I don’t think it got as much as some classes, it still received some amazing cards. Troublemaker and Reaper’s Scythe are insane. The weapon cards it shares with Rogue are incredibly powerful. Lord Barov is pretty good, and Shield of Honor might be better than Rampage.
It also got some Big Warrior stuff, and I feel the same way about Big Warrior as I do Big Paladin…it’s not very good. I guess it’s definitely better now…but it’s just hard to justify playing it over the other, very very good Warrior decks. Also, druid almost certainly does it better.
Rattlegore – 1
Playmaker – 2
Troublemaker – 4
Reaper’s Scythe – 4
In Formation! – 1
Athletic Studies – 2
Lord Barov – 4
Ceremonial Maul – 2
Commencment – 1
Shield of Honor – 3
Doctor Krastinov – 3
Steeldancer – 4
Coerce – 3
Cutting Class – 3
Neutrals
There are some very strong neutrals. And like last set, most of them are very interesting, even if they aren’t good.
I think the headliners are Sphere of Sapience, Voracious Reader, Manafeeder Panthara. It is well documented that certain classes [cough* shaman * paladin * cough] have been unjustly held back by their lack of card draw. Well, now they have it. Kind of. It’s definitely better than it used to be.
Polkelt, Vectus, and Kel’Thuzad provide some very interesting combo and control opportunities.
Tour Guide turns everyone into Demon Hunter for a turn. And Wretched Tutor gives everyone a Volcanic Potion.
All-in-all, I think there are a lot of neutrals that are going to see play.
Keymaster Alabaster – 1
Vectus – 3
Headmaster Kel’thuzad – 3
Lorekeeper Polkelt – 2
Sphere of Sapience – 3
Educated Elekk – 1
Enchanted Cauldron – 1
Transfer Student – 2
Robes of Protection – 2
Voracious Reader – 4
Cult Neophyte – 1
Plagued Protodrake – 1
Onyx Meagescribe – 1
Sorcerous Substitute – 3 (In Shaman)
Smug Senior – 2
Lake Thresher – 2
Steward of Scrolls – 1
Ogremancer – 1
Wreched Tutor – 2
Crimson Hothead – 2
Divine Rager – 1
Fishy Flyer – 3 (In Paladin)
Manafeeder Panthara – 4
Wandmaker – 2
Sneaky Delinquent – 3 (In Rogue)
Intrepid Initiate – 2
Tour Guide – 3 (In Shaman)
Animated Broomstick – 2
Pen Flinger – 2
Desk Imp – 1
So I think that covers everything. If I were asked which cards would be nerfed, I would think it may be these (in no particular order):
- Glide
- Goody Two-Shields
- Secret Passage
- Voracious Reader
AKA, I think these cards are probably too far overtuned.
4
0-5 with this deck at diamond 9. Hard pass.
3
If I had to make an educated guess, I would say that this basically reads as "Silence all minions and remove them from the board." but with HS flavor. They don't die so they don't hit the rez pool and no deathrattles trigger. They chose not to capitalize ALL, so I don't think it targets anything other than what is on the board. Needless to say that would cripple pretty much every deck. Ever.
1
Quote from Joker_2k19 >>The only thing i wouldn't do is put taunts on your murlocs. People are playing hydras and foe reapers so it will cleave down your shields.
I would only keep taunt on the amalgam.
I somewhat agree. I got Golden Brann pretty early. Strongshell Scavenger is adding 60 stats to this board per play. Seems worth it.
1
Menagerie was undeniably the way to go before the Lightfang nerf.
Prior to the patch, Murlocs were viable at best due to a strong early game and strong late game but an incredibly weak mid-game. Now, with King Bagurgle, it seems Murlocs are almost too good. I feel the only way to do poorly with Murlocs is if RNG completely screws you.
Thoughts?
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2
do you realize you keep using the word "kiddo" while simultaneously acting like a toddler? is this a troll? i'm so confused. please tell me you're not a real person
2
ima craft you golden
3
Thanks Ben, as always your review is much appreciated
6
This deck seems like it's trying to do too much: secret package, thief package, galakrond package, all while being a highlander deck.
6
Are you joking?
3
Everyone will hate opening it. The card doesn't help any viable Rogue decks in standard
2
Why is everyone falling for such a terrible troll post
1
I voted for my xxxtra QT boi Microcopter
1
Yea but none of that is even cute tho
0
looks like even hunter will be a thing in wild